TRANSFORMATIONAL TRAVEL 

This is the 2018 buzzword. More wellness destinations will use the power of wellness circuits and epic storylines to create a “necklace” of linked wellness experiences; a dramatic wellness saga; where spa-goers follow an emotional and sensory voyage. More wellness experiences will deploy fantasy and wellness “avatars”. More performance, music and art (“story” immersion) will get served up with wellness. The future wellness will be engaging people’s emotions as much as evidence-based healing.

WELLNESS MEETS HAPPINESS 

The World Happiness Report (155 countries surveyed) reveals a world with a mediocre 5/10 happiness score. All the happiness research concurs that strong social connections and community are the most fundamental components for happiness. Constant digital connection, addictive smartphones, and social media are creating a depression and anxiety epidemic. Happiness is no longer a frivolous concept, it has a powerful impact on everything from physical health to employee productivity.

PATERNITY

Parents are turning to the same wellness therapies and techniques that have improved their own lives, in order to add wellness to their children’s formative years. Healthy treatments and programs, from baby yoga classes to organic baby food to relaxing “baby moon” preconception getaways, will be a growth factor in spa and wellness for years to come. 

EXTREME WELLNESS 

Encompassing many things three relevant trends are ice bathing, cryotherapy and brain hacking.

THE WELLNESS KITCHEN

More consumers than ever before are conscious and concerned about not just their own health, but the health of the planet. Food storage, preparation, cooking, consumption, and disposal are reengineered to cater to fresh food and living, organic ingredients. 

CLEAN AIR 

The fight for clean air is leading to innovations across the world. Air purification systems clean indoor air quality. Expect more greenery to be incorporated into buildings, like vertical forests and living walls inside and outside of buildings. A clear winner will be spa and wellness destinations that promote themselves as havens from air pollution 

FEMINIST WELLNESS 

The women’s empowerment-meets-wellness trend takes so many crucial forms. We’re seeing a surge in new women-only clubs, co-working spaces, and collectives, designed for women to meet, network, support each other and be active together–served up with much wellness. We’re seeing a new brigade of women doctors, technologists and designers spotting unaddressed issues for women’s bodies and lives and creating an explosion of new “FemTech”.

MUSHROOMS / PLANT MEDICINE

Mushrooms and plant medicines are emerging for their powerful and positive effects on depression, addiction, creativity and neural rewiring. Medical evidence is also showing that mushrooms are beneficial for health, ageing, personality improvement and deepening spiritual life. Finally, mushrooms will be in beauty products, supplements and food.